Sampler de Noel and Book Challenge Update 1

I little while ago I posted about taking part in the 10 Book Reading Challenge that Vickie from Reading and Stitching is hosting.  Can you believe, I’ve already finished three books.  I may have mentioned that not only am I a voracious reader, but I also read very quickly.  So, a couple of late nights (far too late, really) and reading when I should have been doing other things, and I have finished:

1. History of Hand Knitting by Richard Rutt
2. The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber
3. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

Of the three, I can only really recommend number 1 and 3.  Both were excellent in their own genre, and since both focus on England, they left me feeling a bit English for a time.

Next on my bedside table: Empire by Orson Scott Card.  I think it is time for a bit of a change of pace after those three genteel books.

As for stitching, which I am still doing, I have finished Part 1 and 2 of the SAL I mentioned a little while ago, Sampler de Noel. I’m using the DMC colours listed for the blue version, and stitching over one on a very uneven 32ct. slightly-off white linen.

Sampler de Noel SAL - Parts 1 and 2

It is very sweet, and very French to my Canadian eyes.  I can’t wait to until it is all done.  Carole is offering Parts 2 – 12 on her blog every Friday from now until December 3rd.  If you’d like to take part, head over here and send Carole an email.  She will send you Part 1 and you can join in.  (The site is in French but there is an option to translate it in the left side bar.)

I’ve also put some work into Baby Man’s Christmas stocking.  My goal for September is to finish the toy sack and Christmas tree, and as you can see, I’m doing pretty well.

Naughty or Nice Stocking from Dimensions

Good news, you can now click on any picture to enbiggen it!  I know, I should have figured this out ages ago, but I’ve gotten to a point in my life where I would rather spend time with Baby Man and quanta, or stitching or knitting, instead of screwing around on the computer.  Shocking, isn’t it?

I’m also going to plug Anna one more time; don’t forget to vote for the Swirlgig you like best over at Stitch Bitch.  Mine is there.  Can you guess which one?